Archive for the ‘Jewish Defense League’ Category

Police on Thursday denied allegations that officers stood idly by as a mob of young members of Lehava a Jewish extremist group known for its racist ideology and violent attacks beat three Arabs youths in downtown Jerusalem a week ago.

Lehava propagates the dogma of the late Jewish Defense League founder, Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was assassinated by an Arab in New York City in 1990 after his radical Kach Party was outlawed in Israel for inciting racism.

According to witnesses of last Thursdays attack, some 30 Lehava followers were marching near Zion Square shortly after 8 p.m. when they spotted Majdi Abu Taya, 19, of Silwan, shopping near Ben-Yehuda Street with two friends.

One witness, who requested anonymity out of fear for his safety, told Haaretz that the Arab teens were quickly targeted and heckled.

I saw three Palestinians surrounded by the Lehava guys who shouted at them and cursed them, the witness said.

Ive been in the square for three years, and this isnt the first time Ive seen this. Its systematic.

They engage in provocations to get the victims to react, and then theyll say its self-defense.

A video of group members wearing black Lehava T-shirts, surrounding the Arabs, shouting at them and chasing them obtained by Haaretz and posted on YouTube corroborates the witnesss account.

When the Arab teens run to police officers patrolling nearby Jaffa Road to seek protection, the video shows an officer stopping the mob from attacking them. However, the Jewish teens can be seen continuing to shout at the three young men.

Soon thereafter another chase proceeds, and the video ends.

The officer asked for our ID cards but he didnt help us or do anything, they continued to beat us right next to the cop, said Abu Taya. So we fled.

Other witnesses told Haaretz that the officer stood idly by as the mob chased the three men down the street, at which point Abu Taya became separated from his two friends, who sought refuge at a nearby construction site.

When Abu Taya was cornered, he said the beating began, which resulted in his being hospitalized in stable condition.

A Jewish teen who volunteers as a paramedic and saw the assault said he was hit on the head by a Lehava member when he attempted to intervene.

Two days later, he said, he filed a complaint at an area police station and was informed that there was no information about the attack.

The on-duty officer tried to find a complaint or even an emergency call, but they found nothing, as if nothing had ever happened, he told Haaretz.

Police on Thursday confirmed that the attack took place, but denied allegations that an officer stood by as the Arab teens were chased and one was badly beaten.

Police units were called in and arrived at the area quickly to search for the suspects who already fled the scene and three youngsters were found in the area but did not agree to file a complaint, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

However, an investigation has been opened into the incident and police are looking into what happened.

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) has filed a hate speech complaint with the Toronto police against a speaker at this years Al-Quds Day rally at Queens Park.

In his speech at the June 24 event, Maulana Syed Mohammad Zaki Baqri of the Council of Islamic Guidance and the Al Mahdi Centre said, in English and Arabic, that, Israel, Zionism, should and must know it is the law that whoever oppresses, he has to be eliminated. One day or the other, the FSWC alleges in its complaint.

The organization has provided police with a video of the statements.

In a letter to Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, the FSWC alleges that Baqris speech violates Sections 318 and 319 of the Criminal Code, Advocating Genocide and Public Incitement of Hatred.

Violations of both sections can lead to imprisonment, the FSWC pointed out in a press release.

Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is disheartened by the vilification of Jewish Canadians and Israel on Torontos streets, the groups statement said.

The annual Al-Quds Day march and rally in Toronto made its way from Queens Park to the American consulate. Members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) organized a counter-protest directly across from the consulate.

Toronto police must not allow Queens Park, our provincial legislature, to become a platform for Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, and the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) must not allow Kevin Barrett into our country. Enough is enough, wrote Bnai Brith in a news release.

Despite garnering more than 2,000 digital signatures, the petition was unsuccessful and Barrett addressed the crowd, as scheduled.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared photos of marchers carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for a boycott of Israel, as well as a video on Twitter of protesters chanting, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

We urge leaders in government and civil society to join us in strongly condemning this shameful demonstration of bigotry and extremism, Berl Nadler, the Toronto chair of CIJA, said in a statement.

It is disturbing, but not surprising, to see that the Al-Quds Day rally was once again a platform for calls for Israels destruction and the airing of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories including the claim that Israel was behind 9/11.

Hebrew music could be heard from the JDL counter-protest, which included individuals waving Israeli and Canadian flags. People also held signs for Pegida, an anti-Islamic group.

There was a heavy police presence along University Avenue to keep the two crowds apart, after they both converged by the consulate in the late afternoon.

Al-Quds Day started in Iran in 1979, as a way to protest Jerusalem Day. Its traditionally held around the world on the final day of Ramadan and generally includes calls to end the occupation of Jerusalem and for the destruction of Israel.

Maniaci says she refused to attend the October 2004 conference and has since maintained an unauthorized and rogue chapter calling itself the Jewish Defense League.

Rogue chapter?

But many people thought that the JDL was a rogue Jewish organization in the first place.

Maybe these dueling factions are attempting to redefine the term fringe group?

The new JDL appears impatient to dispense with the grieving widow. They will soon be resolving [their] issues with Mrs. Rubin in court, said Maniaci.

So much for her mourning period.

According to the Director of Intelligence for the repackaged JDL Mrs. Rubin mistakenly believed that she should have inherited the organization after her Husbands murder.

Murder?

Irv Rubin died after he hung himself in a jail cell. A pitiful suicide after he was locked up over a bomb plot.

Well it looks like the so-called new and totally different JDL hasnt lost one lasting Rubin legacy, a penchant for conspiracy theories.

Earl Krugel has now pleaded guilty regarding a conspiracy to bomb an American mosque.

The 60-year-old Jewish Defense League (JDL) member may ultimately end his life in prison based upon the terms of his plea agreement reports Associated Press and Fox News.

According to the deal negotiated with prosecutors Krugel will serve no less than ten years in prison for his involvement in the bomb plot.

The FBI arrested Krugel and his JDL leader Irv Rubin in December of 2001.

Rabbi Meir Kahane founded the JDL in 1968. A Moslem fanatic murdered him in 1990.

Kahane was not unlike other charismatic hate group leaders such as William Pierce and Osama bin Laden who largely defined their groups through the power of their individual personalities.

The hate-filled rhetoric of the radical rabbi was often described as extremist and incited violence. One man associated with an Israeli Kahane-connected organization murdered 29 Moslems at prayer in a Hebron mosque.

Fortunately it seems the FBI stopped Rubin and Krugel before they could wreak havoc and death on a mosque.

In 1994 the party Kahane founded in Israel was outlawed and later declared a foreign terrorist organization by the United States State Department.

Now perhaps the JDLs reign of terror will end. Without Rubin or some other strong personality to fill its present void, perhaps the JDL will fade away.

The annual Al-Quds Day march and rally in Toronto made its way from Queens Park to the American consulate on Saturday.

Members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) organized a counter-protest directly across from the consulate, in front of a Staples office supply store at the corner of University Avenue and Armoury Street.

Al-Quds Day started in Iran in 1979 as a way to protest Jerusalem Day. Its traditionally held around the world on the final day of Ramadan and generally includes calls to end the occupation of Jerusalem and for the destruction of Israel.

In response to this years event in Toronto, where alleged Holocaust denier Kevin Barrett was slated to speak, Bnai Brith launched an online petition to keep him out of Canada.

Toronto police must not allow Queens Park, our provincial legislature, to become a platform for Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, and the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) must not allow Kevin Barrett into our country. Enough is enough, wrote Bnai Brith in a news release.

Despite garnering more than 2,000 digital signatures, the petition was ultimately unsuccessful and Barrett addressed the crowd, as scheduled.

Posts on social media show the Al-Quds Day march moving down University Avenue towards the consulate. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared photos of people carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for a boycott of Israel, as well as a video on Twitter of protesters chanting, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

We urge leaders in government and civil society to join us in strongly condemning this shameful demonstration of bigotry and extremism, Berl Nadler, the Toronto chair of CIJA, said in a statement.

It is disturbing, but not surprising, to see that the Al-Quds Day rally was once again a platform for calls for Israels destruction and the airing of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories including the claim that Israel was behind 9/11.

Hebrew music could be heard from the JDL counter-protest, which included individuals waving Israeli and Canadian flags. People holding signs for Pegida, an anti-Islam group, as well as a stop M-103 (the anti-Islamophobia motion) banner were also spotted.

There was heavy police presence along University Avenue to keep the two crowds apart, after they both converged by the consulate in the late afternoon.

The annual Al-Quds Day march and rally in Toronto made its way from Queens Park to the American consulate on Saturday.

Members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) organized a counter-protest directly across from the consulate, in front of a Staples office supply store at the corner of University Avenue and Armoury Street.

Al-Quds Day started in Iran in 1979 as a way to protest Jerusalem Day. Its traditionally held around the world on the final day of Ramadan and generally includes calls to end the occupation of Jerusalem and for the destruction of Israel.

In response to this years event in Toronto, where alleged Holocaust denier Kevin Barrett was slated to speak, Bnai Brith launched an online petition to keep him out of Canada.

Toronto police must not allow Queens Park, our provincial legislature, to become a platform for Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, and the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) must not allow Kevin Barrett into our country. Enough is enough, wrote Bnai Brith in a news release.

Despite garnering more than 2,000 digital signatures, the petition was ultimately unsuccessful and Barrett addressed the crowd, as scheduled.

Posts on social media show the Al-Quds Day march moving down University Avenue towards the consulate. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared photos of people carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for a boycott of Israel, as well as a video on Twitter of protesters chanting, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

We urge leaders in government and civil society to join us in strongly condemning this shameful demonstration of bigotry and extremism, Berl Nadler, the Toronto chair of CIJA, said in a statement.

It is disturbing, but not surprising, to see that the Al-Quds Day rally was once again a platform for calls for Israels destruction and the airing of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories including the claim that Israel was behind 9/11.

Hebrew music could be heard from the JDL counter-protest, which included individuals waving Israeli and Canadian flags. People holding signs for Pegida, an anti-Islam group, as well as a stop M-103 (the anti-Islamophobia motion) banner were also spotted.

There was heavy police presence along University Avenue to keep the two crowds apart, after they both converged by the consulate in the late afternoon.

Tzipi Kaplan laid to rest. ‘My father stressed how important it was to learn as much Torah as we could. He had unique courage and no fear.’

Eliran Aharon, 25/06/17 09:39

Hezki Baruch

Tzipi Kaplan, the daughter of the late Rabbi and MK Meir Kahane, founder of The Jewish Defense League and the Kach party who was assassinated in New York by an Arab gunman, passed away over Shabbat at the age of 56, after suffering a severe CVA over a week ago.

The funeral took place Saturday night at the Har Hamenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem.

In 2014, at an event marking 24 years since the murder of Rabbi Kahane, Kaplan told Arutz Sheva that the thing that most characterized him as a father was his concern for our education. He never tired of telling us how important it was for us to study Torah when we were young, to take in as much as we can learn, because its a treasure for your whole life.

Theres another thing he said many times – that it hurt him a lot that he wasnt with us all the time. He really was, first and foremost, an educator. Everything he did was as an educator. We are very proud of his self-sacrifice. He had unique courage, the courage not to be afraid, she had said.

A group of anti-fascists, pro immigration and anti-racism rally goers shared stories of discrimination and shared a message of support for Syrian refugees at City Hall in Calgary, Alta., on June 24, 2017. A few people came to share alternative thoughts. Postmedia Network

City anti-racism activists maintained a two-front presence in Calgary on Saturday the second in three days of controversial weekend rallies.

Gathering at city hall for what was originally intended to be a counter protest to a recently re-scheduled anti-Islam rally, members and allies of Calgary Anti-Fascist Action (Antifa) staged an anti-Islamophobia demonstration meant to show solidarity with the citys Muslim community.

Our focus will be to oppose them, said Calgary anti-racism activist Jason Devine.

One of the best ways of opposing hateful groups is with counter-discourse, counter-dialogue, counter-speech. If someone gets up and says something racist Im going to denounce racism.

Originally intended to be held on Saturday, the Patriotic Unity Mega Festival organized by the Worldwide Coalition Against Islam (WCAI) Canada was instead bumped ahead a day to Sunday after permits to hold the event was denied by the city.

Also denied permission to assemble on city property Saturday was Stephen Garvey, leader of the National Advancement Party of Canada and former WCAI associate, who alleged city denial of his Just Say No to Hatred and Racism Rally at Rotary Park was in violation of theCanadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Garvey publicly cut ties with the WCAI earlier this week, saying they and similar groups go too far.

Speaking to press Saturday afternoon from the denied rally site, he was interrupted by a cadre of Calgary Antifa members marching into the Crescent Heights park.

White nationalism is not an acceptable Canadian value, said one of the marchers, declining to give his name.

Fighting against fascism and promoting the diversity of this country is the right thing to do, and were going to continue to oppose, and to deny an unopposed podium to any fascist group and organization who decides to use a platform to promote hatred against a religion or a people.

Garvey and his contingent left the park a short time later.

Antifas arrival was soon followed by the arrival of Calgary police, consisting of uniformed officers on the ground and watching from the HAWCS police helicopter circling overhead.

At least one person was arrested by officers on scene after witnesses say he threw a lit cigarette.

Saturdays rally comes a day after a relatively calm demonstration at city hall marking International al Quds day a show of solidarity and calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

While about 100 counter-protestors backstopped by local members of the Jewish Defense League waved signs and Israeli flags, unlike previous years no physical clashes between the two sides broke out.

Meanwhile, a WCAI spokesperson told Postmedia the group plans to carry on with their event on Sunday at Olympic Park, describing it as a peaceful BBQ with patriots.

Police say two opposing protests were largely uneventful after roughly two hours of demonstrating on Municipal Plaza.

The site was originally given to the Al-Quds rally, a group demanding peace for the oppressed and protesting what they see as the Zionist occupation of Palestine.

Quds is Arabic for Jerusalem and its typically held on the last day of Ramadan.

A second group which involved members of the Jewish Defense League and the Worldwide Coalition Against Islam or WCAI Canada protested what they called a hatefest being allowed to take place on municipal property.

In between the two gatherings was the Calgary Police and its Public Safety Unit.

Each time a person from one group tried to approach the other they were confronted and turned away by an officer in uniform.

Al-Quds organizer Riyaz Khawaja says some of the anti-Islam posts on social media kept some of their participants from coming into the core.

Overall they were happy with the response.

Its not just Palestinian people but all the oppressed people around the globe, he said. The country we live in, we have a right to speak, we didnt have any concerns that they (the JDL) would be here, the only concern was nobody gets violent.

Khawaja says they have no problem with the Jewish or Israeli people but the government and Zionist forces who are killing Palestinian people are no better than Daesh or Isis.

I requested to them (the JDL) to stay and listen to what were talking about because you cannot make assumptions, he said.

We have to look at the deep roots into who is supporting the operation and who is supporting terrorism, this city is united and can stay peaceful forever, said Khawaja.

Jewish Defense League President Don Sharpe disagreed with the Al-Quds rally calling it a hatefest and told reporters anti-Semitism is on the rise in Calgary.

His chapter opened in the city within the last year to combat what they see as the rapid increase of anti-Semitism.

Quds day is a hate rally sponsored and created by the Ayatollah in Iran, the only purpose of this rally was to inspire hatred against Jews, he said. This is a jew hatred rally, they can disguise it as anything they want, but thats what it is.

Sharpe says the people that make up his group are normal Calgarians and to permit this type of hatefest in a public plaza is insane.

Well always show up to confront this kind of hatred, he said. We do pro-rallies all the time, the reason there is no Jewish festival in the centre of the city every year is because its not safe.

He says theyre not standing on the sidewalk because they were afraid of being run over and Jew-hatred is real.

These pro-Palestinian protestors will tell you that theyre victimized but its simply not the case, not in anywhere near the numbers the Jewish community is.

It has been reported that the Jewish Defense League has organized a “death march” at Toronto Pride this weekend. They intend to carry fake severed heads, caskets, drums and anti-Islamic signs. They are not official participants.

Meanwhile, at the Toronto Pride parade (and at others this summer in several North American cities), queer Muslims hope to march — as they do every year — holding up signs like “Allah Loves Us All – Queer and Straight,” as shown here.

For members of our queer Muslim community and Muslim allies, marching at Pride comes with a risk. Sometimes it consists of possible estrangement from family, community or worse. Yet people march regardless, in solidarity with fellow Muslims everywhere who are unsafe coming out, in jail or dead.

This year — on the holiest of Muslim holidays, Eid — we are reminded that the risk comes not only from outside the queer community, but can also from within what is supposed to be a safe space by those planning the death march, intending to strike fear into the hearts of all Muslims.

Yes — do save our queer Muslim community after you target all of us in your bigoted frenzy. After all, what do you risk carrying our fake severed heads?

Perhaps ask instead what it means to stand up for queer Muslims — as a Muslim.

Because no death march can replace the work carried out by queer Muslims and their allies on the front lines to demand change in Muslim societies, putting themselves — academics, imams, activists — virtually all volunteers receiving little or no pay — at risk. Supported by a community network, there exists an unknown revolution, battling for the soul of Islam, targeted by homophobic extremists.

Examples?

It’s only the tip of the iceberg, but let’s start with the thankless labour of love to rejuvenate authentic LGBTQ-affirming interpretations of Islamic scriptures by queer Muslim academics, including professors Dr. Scott Siraj Al Haqq Kugle, Dr. Junaid Jahangir and Dr. Hussein Abdullatif whose body of work call for an end to homophobic interpretations of Islam, with alternative translations, using Islamic tools of ijtihad (critical analysis) and compassion to change minds and hearts and Dr. Samar Habib who reveals an Islamic history filled with sexual diversity.

Then there is the task of attaining the trust of a community, victimized for being both gay and Muslim, propelling openly queer imams to establish or manage LGBTQ-affirming spiritual organizations, creating safe prayer spaces for queer Muslims and their allies in numerous cities.

Will the death march help them? No. Islamophobia means it is harder to safely disclose the location of Muslim gatherings. Meaning it is harder to congregate when you are a target, gay or straight.

Meanwhile, queer Muslims and their Muslim allies have birthed NGOs that promote pro-LGBTQ advocacy and protest homophobic laws in Muslim societies. They openly condemn governments who criminalize homosexuality including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and others. They provide platforms of open discussion for important LGBTQ related issues in the west, such as sex-ed, same sex marriage and transgender rights. Western privilege also means highlighting the plight of fellow activists in Muslim states who are in jail.

And what does it mean to be a queer Muslim in the Muslim world? It is dangerous. Yet there exist Muslim activists in the west and in the Muslim world, working for mainstream secular groups using their networks, cultural diversity and bilingualism to help others flee persecution. Meanwhile brave queer Muslim filmmakers, like Parvez Sharma show the obstacles faced by queer Muslim refugees in films like Jihad For Love.

And those obstacles do not alone originate from Muslim governments but include western immigration policies that ban Muslims, making it harder for all Muslims, including queer Muslims to escape persecution. The foreign policy of western nations, who support regimes that persecute gays and that spread homophobia through Islamic scriptures, and simultaneously who impose immigration policies banning Muslims from entering the west, are the greatest danger to queer Muslims in Muslim states today. Try and help a queer Muslim in danger of being killed to get out of Gaza or Saudi Arabia. Good luck.

Queer Muslims struggle to escape Muslim states sending messages pleading for help. We endeavor to connect them to underground networks that stretch from Turkey to India, composed of some of the bravest souls alive today. Invisible and hard-working, like angels, they receive no recognition, placing their lives in danger, everyday.

According to the organizer of the death march — “There’s a lot of gays in the Muslim community, they want nothing to do with this, they want nothing to do with making noise about Islam,” he said.

What a lie.

Queer Muslims and their allies risk their lives to make the world a better place despite the tyranny of Muslim states, the backward foreign and business policy of the industrialized west and Islamophobia.

Meanwhile, this weekend — in the most multicultural city in Canada — people who hate us all plan to march proudly to show their contempt, disregarding all we do, all we risk and who we love — out of pride.

Chaos surrounds Jewish extremist assault of Palestinians in Jerusalem. Police on Thursday denied allegations that officers stood idly by as a mob of young members of Lehava a Jewish extremist group known for its racist ideology and violent attacks beat three Arabs youths in downtown Jerusalem a week ago. Lehava propagates the dogma of the late Jewish Defense League founder, Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was assassinated by an Arab in New York City in 1990 after his radical Kach Party was outlawed in Israel for inciting racism. According to witnesses of last Thursdays attack, some 30 Lehava followers were marching near Zion Square shortly after 8 p.m. when they spotted Majdi Abu Taya, 19, of Silwan, shopping near Ben-Yehuda Street with two friends. One witness, who requested anonymity out of fear for his safety, told Haaretz that the Arab teens were quickly targeted and heckled. I saw three Palestinians surrounded by the Lehava guys who shouted at them and cursed them, the witness said. Ive been in the square for three years, and this isnt the first time Ive seen this. Its systematic. They engage in provocations to get the victims to react, and then theyll say its self-defense. A video of group members wearing black Lehava T-shirts, surrounding the Arabs, shouting at them and chasing them obtained by Haaretz and posted on YouTube corroborates the witnesss account. When the Arab teens run to police officers patrolling nearby Jaffa Road to seek protection, the video shows an officer stopping the mob from attacking them. However, the Jewish teens can be seen continuing to shout at the three young men. Soon thereafter another chase proceeds, and the video ends. The officer asked for our ID cards but he didnt help us or do anything, they continued to beat us right next to the cop, said Abu Taya. So we fled. Other witnesses told Haaretz that the officer stood idly by as the mob chased the three men down the street, at which point Abu Taya became separated from his two friends, who sought refuge at a nearby construction site. When Abu Taya was cornered, he said the beating began, which resulted in his being hospitalized in stable condition. A Jewish teen who volunteers as a paramedic and saw the assault said he was hit on the head by a Lehava member when he attempted to intervene. Two days later, he said, he filed a complaint at an area police station and was informed that there was no information about the attack. The on-duty officer tried to find a complaint or even an emergency call, but they found nothing, as if nothing had ever happened, he told Haaretz. Police on Thursday confirmed that the attack took place, but denied allegations that an officer stood by as the Arab teens were chased and one was badly beaten. Police units were called in and arrived at the area quickly to search for the suspects who already fled the scene and three youngsters were found in the area but did not agree to file a complaint, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. However, an investigation has been opened into the incident and police are looking into what happened. Share on facebook

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) has filed a hate speech complaint with the Toronto police against a speaker at this years Al-Quds Day rally at Queens Park. In his speech at the June 24 event, Maulana Syed Mohammad Zaki Baqri of the Council of Islamic Guidance and the Al Mahdi Centre said, in English and Arabic, that, Israel, Zionism, should and must know it is the law that whoever oppresses, he has to be eliminated. One day or the other, the FSWC alleges in its complaint. The organization has provided police with a video of the statements. In a letter to Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, the FSWC alleges that Baqris speech violates Sections 318 and 319 of the Criminal Code, Advocating Genocide and Public Incitement of Hatred. Violations of both sections can lead to imprisonment, the FSWC pointed out in a press release. Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is disheartened by the vilification of Jewish Canadians and Israel on Torontos streets, the groups statement said. READ: TORONTO POLICE INVESTIGATE TEACHERS COMMENTS AT AL-QUDS DAY RALLY The annual Al-Quds Day march and rally in Toronto made its way from Queens Park to the American consulate. Members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) organized a counter-protest directly across from the consulate. Prior to the event, Bnai Brith Canada launched an online petition asking the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to deny entry to American Holocaust denier and conspiracy theorist Kevin Barrett. Toronto police must not allow Queens Park, our provincial legislature, to become a platform for Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, and the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) must not allow Kevin Barrett into our country. Enough is enough, wrote Bnai Brith in a news release. Despite garnering more than 2,000 digital signatures, the petition was unsuccessful and Barrett addressed the crowd, as scheduled. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared photos of marchers carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for a boycott of Israel, as well as a video on Twitter of protesters chanting, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. We urge leaders in government and civil society to join us in strongly condemning this shameful demonstration of bigotry and extremism, Berl Nadler, the Toronto chair of CIJA, said in a statement. It is disturbing, but not surprising, to see that the Al-Quds Day rally was once again a platform for calls for Israels destruction and the airing of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories including the claim that Israel was behind 9/11. Hebrew music could be heard from the JDL counter-protest, which included individuals waving Israeli and Canadian flags. People also held signs for Pegida, an anti-Islamic group. There was a heavy police presence along University Avenue to keep the two crowds apart, after they both converged by the consulate in the late afternoon. Al-Quds Day started in Iran in 1979, as a way to protest Jerusalem Day. Its traditionally held around the world on the final day of Ramadan and generally includes calls to end the occupation of Jerusalem and for the destruction of Israel.

Since the death of its leader Irv Rubin the so-called Jewish Defense League (JDL) has apparently split up into two rival camps, one led by Rubins widow and another by a Colorado attorney. Bill Maniaci the Director [of] Intelligence and Security for the non-Rubin group told CutNews that he initially took the reins as the Chairman to form a new and totally different organization. And they have their own Web site too. Maniaci and his comrades had a convention last year during October in Nevada and voted in a new leader. Attorney Matthew Fineberg of Boulder City, Colorado is the would-be Rubin replacement, but apparently Rubins widow Shelley isnt buying it. Maniaci says she refused to attend the October 2004 conference and has since maintained an unauthorized and rogue chapter calling itself the Jewish Defense League. Rogue chapter? But many people thought that the JDL was a rogue Jewish organization in the first place. Maybe these dueling factions are attempting to redefine the term fringe group? The new JDL appears impatient to dispense with the grieving widow. They will soon be resolving [their] issues with Mrs. Rubin in court, said Maniaci. So much for her mourning period. According to the Director of Intelligence for the repackaged JDL Mrs. Rubin mistakenly believed that she should have inherited the organization after her Husbands murder. Murder? Irv Rubin died after he hung himself in a jail cell. A pitiful suicide after he was locked up over a bomb plot. Well it looks like the so-called new and totally different JDL hasnt lost one lasting Rubin legacy, a penchant for conspiracy theories. Earl Krugel has now pleaded guilty regarding a conspiracy to bomb an American mosque. The 60-year-old Jewish Defense League (JDL) member may ultimately end his life in prison based upon the terms of his plea agreement reports Associated Press and Fox News. According to the deal negotiated with prosecutors Krugel will serve no less than ten years in prison for his involvement in the bomb plot. The FBI arrested Krugel and his JDL leader Irv Rubin in December of 2001. Rabbi Meir Kahane founded the JDL in 1968. A Moslem fanatic murdered him in 1990. Kahane was not unlike other charismatic hate group leaders such as William Pierce and Osama bin Laden who largely defined their groups through the power of their individual personalities. The hate-filled rhetoric of the radical rabbi was often described as extremist and incited violence. One man associated with an Israeli Kahane-connected organization murdered 29 Moslems at prayer in a Hebron mosque. Fortunately it seems the FBI stopped Rubin and Krugel before they could wreak havoc and death on a mosque. In 1994 the party Kahane founded in Israel was outlawed and later declared a foreign terrorist organization by the United States State Department. Now perhaps the JDLs reign of terror will end. Without Rubin or some other strong personality to fill its present void, perhaps the JDL will fade away.

The annual Al-Quds Day march and rally in Toronto made its way from Queens Park to the American consulate on Saturday. Members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) organized a counter-protest directly across from the consulate, in front of a Staples office supply store at the corner of University Avenue and Armoury Street. Al-Quds Day started in Iran in 1979 as a way to protest Jerusalem Day. Its traditionally held around the world on the final day of Ramadan and generally includes calls to end the occupation of Jerusalem and for the destruction of Israel. In response to this years event in Toronto, where alleged Holocaust denier Kevin Barrett was slated to speak, Bnai Brith launched an online petition to keep him out of Canada. Toronto police must not allow Queens Park, our provincial legislature, to become a platform for Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, and the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) must not allow Kevin Barrett into our country. Enough is enough, wrote Bnai Brith in a news release. Despite garnering more than 2,000 digital signatures, the petition was ultimately unsuccessful and Barrett addressed the crowd, as scheduled. Posts on social media show the Al-Quds Day march moving down University Avenue towards the consulate. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared photos of people carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for a boycott of Israel, as well as a video on Twitter of protesters chanting, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. We urge leaders in government and civil society to join us in strongly condemning this shameful demonstration of bigotry and extremism, Berl Nadler, the Toronto chair of CIJA, said in a statement. It is disturbing, but not surprising, to see that the Al-Quds Day rally was once again a platform for calls for Israels destruction and the airing of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories including the claim that Israel was behind 9/11. Hebrew music could be heard from the JDL counter-protest, which included individuals waving Israeli and Canadian flags. People holding signs for Pegida, an anti-Islam group, as well as a stop M-103 (the anti-Islamophobia motion) banner were also spotted. There was heavy police presence along University Avenue to keep the two crowds apart, after they both converged by the consulate in the late afternoon.

The annual Al-Quds Day march and rally in Toronto made its way from Queens Park to the American consulate on Saturday. Members of the Jewish Defense League (JDL) organized a counter-protest directly across from the consulate, in front of a Staples office supply store at the corner of University Avenue and Armoury Street. Al-Quds Day started in Iran in 1979 as a way to protest Jerusalem Day. Its traditionally held around the world on the final day of Ramadan and generally includes calls to end the occupation of Jerusalem and for the destruction of Israel. In response to this years event in Toronto, where alleged Holocaust denier Kevin Barrett was slated to speak, Bnai Brith launched an online petition to keep him out of Canada. Toronto police must not allow Queens Park, our provincial legislature, to become a platform for Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, and the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) must not allow Kevin Barrett into our country. Enough is enough, wrote Bnai Brith in a news release. Despite garnering more than 2,000 digital signatures, the petition was ultimately unsuccessful and Barrett addressed the crowd, as scheduled. Posts on social media show the Al-Quds Day march moving down University Avenue towards the consulate. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) shared photos of people carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for a boycott of Israel, as well as a video on Twitter of protesters chanting, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. We urge leaders in government and civil society to join us in strongly condemning this shameful demonstration of bigotry and extremism, Berl Nadler, the Toronto chair of CIJA, said in a statement. It is disturbing, but not surprising, to see that the Al-Quds Day rally was once again a platform for calls for Israels destruction and the airing of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories including the claim that Israel was behind 9/11. Hebrew music could be heard from the JDL counter-protest, which included individuals waving Israeli and Canadian flags. People holding signs for Pegida, an anti-Islam group, as well as a stop M-103 (the anti-Islamophobia motion) banner were also spotted. There was heavy police presence along University Avenue to keep the two crowds apart, after they both converged by the consulate in the late afternoon.

Tzipi Kaplan laid to rest. ‘My father stressed how important it was to learn as much Torah as we could. He had unique courage and no fear.’ Eliran Aharon, 25/06/17 09:39 Hezki Baruch Tzipi Kaplan, the daughter of the late Rabbi and MK Meir Kahane, founder of The Jewish Defense League and the Kach party who was assassinated in New York by an Arab gunman, passed away over Shabbat at the age of 56, after suffering a severe CVA over a week ago. The funeral took place Saturday night at the Har Hamenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem. In 2014, at an event marking 24 years since the murder of Rabbi Kahane, Kaplan told Arutz Sheva that the thing that most characterized him as a father was his concern for our education. He never tired of telling us how important it was for us to study Torah when we were young, to take in as much as we can learn, because its a treasure for your whole life. Theres another thing he said many times – that it hurt him a lot that he wasnt with us all the time. He really was, first and foremost, an educator. Everything he did was as an educator. We are very proud of his self-sacrifice. He had unique courage, the courage not to be afraid, she had said.

A group of anti-fascists, pro immigration and anti-racism rally goers shared stories of discrimination and shared a message of support for Syrian refugees at City Hall in Calgary, Alta., on June 24, 2017. A few people came to share alternative thoughts. Postmedia Network City anti-racism activists maintained a two-front presence in Calgary on Saturday the second in three days of controversial weekend rallies. Gathering at city hall for what was originally intended to be a counter protest to a recently re-scheduled anti-Islam rally, members and allies of Calgary Anti-Fascist Action (Antifa) staged an anti-Islamophobia demonstration meant to show solidarity with the citys Muslim community. Our focus will be to oppose them, said Calgary anti-racism activist Jason Devine. One of the best ways of opposing hateful groups is with counter-discourse, counter-dialogue, counter-speech. If someone gets up and says something racist Im going to denounce racism. Originally intended to be held on Saturday, the Patriotic Unity Mega Festival organized by the Worldwide Coalition Against Islam (WCAI) Canada was instead bumped ahead a day to Sunday after permits to hold the event was denied by the city. Also denied permission to assemble on city property Saturday was Stephen Garvey, leader of the National Advancement Party of Canada and former WCAI associate, who alleged city denial of his Just Say No to Hatred and Racism Rally at Rotary Park was in violation of theCanadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Garvey publicly cut ties with the WCAI earlier this week, saying they and similar groups go too far. Speaking to press Saturday afternoon from the denied rally site, he was interrupted by a cadre of Calgary Antifa members marching into the Crescent Heights park. White nationalism is not an acceptable Canadian value, said one of the marchers, declining to give his name. Fighting against fascism and promoting the diversity of this country is the right thing to do, and were going to continue to oppose, and to deny an unopposed podium to any fascist group and organization who decides to use a platform to promote hatred against a religion or a people. Garvey and his contingent left the park a short time later. Antifas arrival was soon followed by the arrival of Calgary police, consisting of uniformed officers on the ground and watching from the HAWCS police helicopter circling overhead. At least one person was arrested by officers on scene after witnesses say he threw a lit cigarette. Saturdays rally comes a day after a relatively calm demonstration at city hall marking International al Quds day a show of solidarity and calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. While about 100 counter-protestors backstopped by local members of the Jewish Defense League waved signs and Israeli flags, unlike previous years no physical clashes between the two sides broke out. Meanwhile, a WCAI spokesperson told Postmedia the group plans to carry on with their event on Sunday at Olympic Park, describing it as a peaceful BBQ with patriots.

Police say two opposing protests were largely uneventful after roughly two hours of demonstrating on Municipal Plaza. The site was originally given to the Al-Quds rally, a group demanding peace for the oppressed and protesting what they see as the Zionist occupation of Palestine. Quds is Arabic for Jerusalem and its typically held on the last day of Ramadan. A second group which involved members of the Jewish Defense League and the Worldwide Coalition Against Islam or WCAI Canada protested what they called a hatefest being allowed to take place on municipal property. In between the two gatherings was the Calgary Police and its Public Safety Unit. Each time a person from one group tried to approach the other they were confronted and turned away by an officer in uniform. Al-Quds organizer Riyaz Khawaja says some of the anti-Islam posts on social media kept some of their participants from coming into the core. Overall they were happy with the response. Its not just Palestinian people but all the oppressed people around the globe, he said. The country we live in, we have a right to speak, we didnt have any concerns that they (the JDL) would be here, the only concern was nobody gets violent. Khawaja says they have no problem with the Jewish or Israeli people but the government and Zionist forces who are killing Palestinian people are no better than Daesh or Isis. I requested to them (the JDL) to stay and listen to what were talking about because you cannot make assumptions, he said. We have to look at the deep roots into who is supporting the operation and who is supporting terrorism, this city is united and can stay peaceful forever, said Khawaja. Jewish Defense League President Don Sharpe disagreed with the Al-Quds rally calling it a hatefest and told reporters anti-Semitism is on the rise in Calgary. His chapter opened in the city within the last year to combat what they see as the rapid increase of anti-Semitism. Quds day is a hate rally sponsored and created by the Ayatollah in Iran, the only purpose of this rally was to inspire hatred against Jews, he said. This is a jew hatred rally, they can disguise it as anything they want, but thats what it is. Sharpe says the people that make up his group are normal Calgarians and to permit this type of hatefest in a public plaza is insane. Well always show up to confront this kind of hatred, he said. We do pro-rallies all the time, the reason there is no Jewish festival in the centre of the city every year is because its not safe. He says theyre not standing on the sidewalk because they were afraid of being run over and Jew-hatred is real. These pro-Palestinian protestors will tell you that theyre victimized but its simply not the case, not in anywhere near the numbers the Jewish community is. After an hour, the JDL group left the plaza to the Al-Quds group. Both men believe they got their message across.

It has been reported that the Jewish Defense League has organized a “death march” at Toronto Pride this weekend. They intend to carry fake severed heads, caskets, drums and anti-Islamic signs. They are not official participants. Meanwhile, at the Toronto Pride parade (and at others this summer in several North American cities), queer Muslims hope to march — as they do every year — holding up signs like “Allah Loves Us All – Queer and Straight,” as shown here. For members of our queer Muslim community and Muslim allies, marching at Pride comes with a risk. Sometimes it consists of possible estrangement from family, community or worse. Yet people march regardless, in solidarity with fellow Muslims everywhere who are unsafe coming out, in jail or dead. This year — on the holiest of Muslim holidays, Eid — we are reminded that the risk comes not only from outside the queer community, but can also from within what is supposed to be a safe space by those planning the death march, intending to strike fear into the hearts of all Muslims. Yes — do save our queer Muslim community after you target all of us in your bigoted frenzy. After all, what do you risk carrying our fake severed heads? Perhaps ask instead what it means to stand up for queer Muslims — as a Muslim. Because no death march can replace the work carried out by queer Muslims and their allies on the front lines to demand change in Muslim societies, putting themselves — academics, imams, activists — virtually all volunteers receiving little or no pay — at risk. Supported by a community network, there exists an unknown revolution, battling for the soul of Islam, targeted by homophobic extremists. Examples? It’s only the tip of the iceberg, but let’s start with the thankless labour of love to rejuvenate authentic LGBTQ-affirming interpretations of Islamic scriptures by queer Muslim academics, including professors Dr. Scott Siraj Al Haqq Kugle, Dr. Junaid Jahangir and Dr. Hussein Abdullatif whose body of work call for an end to homophobic interpretations of Islam, with alternative translations, using Islamic tools of ijtihad (critical analysis) and compassion to change minds and hearts and Dr. Samar Habib who reveals an Islamic history filled with sexual diversity. Then there is the task of attaining the trust of a community, victimized for being both gay and Muslim, propelling openly queer imams to establish or manage LGBTQ-affirming spiritual organizations, creating safe prayer spaces for queer Muslims and their allies in numerous cities. Will the death march help them? No. Islamophobia means it is harder to safely disclose the location of Muslim gatherings. Meaning it is harder to congregate when you are a target, gay or straight. Meanwhile, queer Muslims and their Muslim allies have birthed NGOs that promote pro-LGBTQ advocacy and protest homophobic laws in Muslim societies. They openly condemn governments who criminalize homosexuality including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and others. They provide platforms of open discussion for important LGBTQ related issues in the west, such as sex-ed, same sex marriage and transgender rights. Western privilege also means highlighting the plight of fellow activists in Muslim states who are in jail. Such groups include but are not limited to Salaam Canada, Muslims for Progressive Values (based in the US with global affiliates), Sacred Justice (US), The Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (U.S.), The Inner Circle (South Africa), Merhaba vzw (Belgian), Progressiva Muslimer Av Sverige (Sweden), Maruf (Norway/Denmark), Imaan (U.K.), Il Grande Colibra (Italy), Muslims for Secular Democracy in India, Muslumans Progressistes de France, Liberal-Islamischer Bund = LIB (Germany), Sisters in Islam in Malaysia and our non-profit here in Canada, Universalist Muslims — to name a few. And what does it mean to be a queer Muslim in the Muslim world? It is dangerous. Yet there exist Muslim activists in the west and in the Muslim world, working for mainstream secular groups using their networks, cultural diversity and bilingualism to help others flee persecution. Meanwhile brave queer Muslim filmmakers, like Parvez Sharma show the obstacles faced by queer Muslim refugees in films like Jihad For Love. And those obstacles do not alone originate from Muslim governments but include western immigration policies that ban Muslims, making it harder for all Muslims, including queer Muslims to escape persecution. The foreign policy of western nations, who support regimes that persecute gays and that spread homophobia through Islamic scriptures, and simultaneously who impose immigration policies banning Muslims from entering the west, are the greatest danger to queer Muslims in Muslim states today. Try and help a queer Muslim in danger of being killed to get out of Gaza or Saudi Arabia. Good luck. Queer Muslims struggle to escape Muslim states sending messages pleading for help. We endeavor to connect them to underground networks that stretch from Turkey to India, composed of some of the bravest souls alive today. Invisible and hard-working, like angels, they receive no recognition, placing their lives in danger, everyday. According to the organizer of the death march — “There’s a lot of gays in the Muslim community, they want nothing to do with this, they want nothing to do with making noise about Islam,” he said. What a lie. Queer Muslims and their allies risk their lives to make the world a better place despite the tyranny of Muslim states, the backward foreign and business policy of the industrialized west and Islamophobia. Meanwhile, this weekend — in the most multicultural city in Canada — people who hate us all plan to march proudly to show their contempt, disregarding all we do, all we risk and who we love — out of pride. Pride? Or prejudice? Happy Pride Toronto. Allah loves us ALL — queer and straight. Salaamualaikum and Eid Mubarak. Also on HuffPost: What You Should Know About Attending Pride

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